Tips for Emergency Preparedness

First, we want to introduce you to our foster kitten, Winx. He is an adorable little 12 week old kitten that was found by a good Samaritan lying on the side of Route 11 after being tossed out of a window. Winx sustained head trauma, and came into the hospital with some serious injuries. Despite all this, he is a very sweet and affectionate kitten. He has been making a sure and steady recovery, and we are hoping to find him a great home soon.

Second, Lexington Animal Hospital will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 2018. We will be open from 8:00 am-11:30 am on Friday and Saturday, November 23-24, 2018.

Lastly, did you know that over 200,000 pets were displaced after Hurricane Katrina and less than 5% of pets were reunited with their owners? With the two hurricanes that hit North Carolina and Florida, I’d like to share some tips for how owners can prepare for emergencies.

1. Start a buddy system. Exchange spare keys and disaster plans with someone you trust who can evacuate your pets if you are not home when an emergency occurs.

2. Identify local evacuation locations. Identify shelters, pet-friendly hotels, and family members that can house your family and your pets in an emergency.

3. Make an emergency kit. Having an emergency kit for each pet is a handy tool in case you are not able to return home right away. Suggested items include:

– a leash or sturdy carrier along with a ID tag & collar

– a blanket- can be used to dry or warm your pet, or serve as a bed

– cat box, litter, or garbage bags to dispose of waste

– bowls, food for 3-5 days (include a can opener if necessary) & 1 gallon of water

– written information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

4. Keep photos of your pet. Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours once you’re reunited.

5. Microchip your pet! The most effective way to reunite a pets with its family is to make sure your pet is microchipped and registered! If a pet goes missing and is found then scanned, the owner will be contacted.